When did you last turn the pages br of a book of poems as if it were a novel? br br and how could a Poet Laureate ‘rejoice’- br as they say in flowery poetic language br in the name of Billy? br br and it’s not so much reading br as being with: as if you’re in the same br room with him: he’s over there in the recliner, br self-contained but friendly; he may br say nothing; or make an inconsequent remark; br or launch into a fantasy; or say br something unpretentiously profound.. br br it doesn’t matter now. You’re in the same room br with him, just being.. he’s not making a poem br like you hold a glass up to the light br and polish it; he’s not even selling ‘being’ br like some New Age guru; he’s not asking br anything of you. br br And thousands who view poetry with suspicion br sigh with relief; take up his latest book br and glance at him there across the room br with a half-smile that somehow reflects his br just being Billy Collins. No, not even that; br just being.